Rangers stand strong despite grand final defeat

The Sydney Rangers A faced another epic battle with Burwood Soccer Club in the Canterbury Division Five Grand Final in front of a crowd of 150 people at Henley Park on the weekend.

This was the third time in three years the teams met each other in a finals series, with the ultimate prize in local soccer up for grabs.

Rangers A started the game with customary confidence, putting the Burwood defence under increasing pressure in the first 20 minutes. After early chances at either end, Ranger Bobby Chase’s 35-metre throw-in resulted in a goal-mouth scramble until the nimble-footed Timmy Teerarujinon smashed the first goal home to give the Rangers an early lead.

Burwood mounted many attacks as the first half drew to a close, but the Rangers defence — expertly marshalled by vice-captain Dominic Gili— thwarted the danger with decisive leadership by goalkeeper Matt La Greca.

Rangers began the second half the way they started the match and had Burwood on the back foot. Koji Niikura put in a courageous captain’s performance, beating two players on the right before crossing a low ball to Pierre Khouzame who controlled and smashed the ball home to make the score 2-0 with 30 minutes remaining. With 15 minutes to go, an unmarked Burwood forward sent his shot into the back of the Rangers net from outside the box.

Many Rangers supporters — and the coach — were outraged when Jack Dallamore, who was heroic all day as right fullback, was bundled over from behind in the Rangers box while trying to shield the ball. The referee gave no thought to an infringement and Burwood scored to lock the game 2-2 with two halves of 10 minutes extra time to come.

In the final minute of extra time and with the game heading perilously close to a penalty shoot-out, the opposition sent the ball long over the top to the Burwood right winger who met a fierce tackle from Gili. Both players hit the ball at the same time.

The Burwood player came off second best. After a slight deliberation, the referee blew his whistle and pointed straight to the penalty spot. Burwood scored the winning goal while Rangers A were left to ponder what might have been.

“This season has been one of the most cohesive and enjoyable seasons to date for Sydney Rangers A and the level this team has reached with so many new faces coming into the side has been truly remarkable,” Rangers coach Joseph Roppolo said.

“The positive spirit, togetherness and hunger shown by each of the players means a premiership is well within next season’s sights and the future looks bright for gay football in Sydney.”

Sydney Rangers FC play a social kick-around every Sunday at Centennial Park for all new and existing players in a social non-competitive setting. Call club president Gavin Mears on 0437 695 854 for details.

The club thanked Sydney Star Observer for its valuable support throughout the 2011 season and said it takes great pride in its association with such an important community organisation.